Is Cappuccino Less Sugar Than Latte? An Ingredient Comparison

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

By definition, a standard latte contains more milk than a cappuccino, and since milk contains natural sugars, a latte is typically higher in sugar than a cappuccino. While both drinks are traditionally unsweetened, the total sugar content is determined by the amount of milk used.

Quick Summary

A cappuccino is generally lower in sugar than a latte because it contains less milk. A latte's larger volume of steamed milk means more naturally occurring lactose sugar, making it the sweeter beverage by default. Added syrups and flavorings can drastically change the sugar content of either drink.

Key Points

Less Milk, Less Sugar: A traditional cappuccino contains less milk than a latte, resulting in a lower natural sugar content from milk's lactose.
Lactose is the Natural Sweetener: The primary source of natural sugar in both drinks comes from the milk's lactose, not added sweeteners.
Flavorings Overwhelm Natural Sugar: Added syrups in flavored lattes or cappuccinos introduce far more sugar than the base milk content, making added sugar the most significant factor.
Customization is Key: To reduce sugar, specify no added syrups, use unsweetened milk alternatives, and choose smaller serving sizes.
A Matter of Ratio: A cappuccino's equal parts ratio results in a stronger coffee flavor, while a latte's higher milk ratio creates a creamier, milder drink.

The Core Difference: Milk Volume

The fundamental distinction between a cappuccino and a latte, and the primary factor influencing their natural sugar content, is the ratio of milk to espresso. A traditional cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of milk foam, creating a balanced and robust coffee flavor. In contrast, a latte consists of a shot of espresso topped with a much larger portion of steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam. This difference in milk volume is the key to understanding which drink is naturally sweeter and has more sugar.

The Role of Lactose: Milk's Natural Sugar

All dairy milk contains lactose, a naturally occurring sugar. When milk is steamed, its natural sweetness becomes more pronounced. Because a latte is composed of a significantly higher volume of milk, it contains more lactose and, therefore, a higher natural sugar content than a cappuccino of the same size. For example, a 16-ounce latte with 2% milk can have around 18 grams of naturally occurring sugar, while a similarly sized cappuccino might have less, depending on its foam-to-milk ratio. This is before any flavored syrups or added sweeteners are introduced.

Impact of Added Syrups and Flavorings

While traditional lattes and cappuccinos do not contain added sugar, modern coffee shop culture often includes a variety of sweetened options. A vanilla latte, for instance, has several pumps of sugary syrup that can dramatically increase its total sugar content. Similarly, many cappuccinos are served with a dusting of chocolate powder, which also adds a small amount of sugar. However, the most significant source of added sugar in these drinks comes from flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or mocha. When comparing a plain cappuccino to a plain latte, the difference is simply the natural milk sugar. When flavors are added, the sugar count can skyrocket, often overwhelming the natural sweetness from the milk.

Comparing Cappuccino and Latte Ingredients


Aspect	Cappuccino	Latte
Ingredients	Espresso, equal parts steamed milk, and milk foam	Espresso, larger portion of steamed milk, thin layer of foam
Milk Volume	Moderate, proportional to espresso and foam	High, typically two-thirds of the drink's volume
Natural Sugar	Lower, due to less overall milk volume	Higher, due to greater milk volume and natural lactose
Texture	Distinct layers with a thick, airy foam	Smooth, creamy, and velvety with a thin foam layer
Espresso Flavor	Stronger and more prominent	Milder, more subtle, and milk-forward
Serving Size	Traditionally served in a smaller cup (5-6 oz)	Traditionally served in a larger glass (8 oz+)
Calories	Lower, since milk is the main calorie source	Higher, due to more overall milk volume

Customizing for Lower Sugar Intake

For those watching their sugar intake, several modifications can be made to both beverages. The simplest method is to avoid any added syrups and flavorings. Another effective strategy is to opt for alternative milks with lower sugar content. For instance, unsweetened almond milk has significantly less sugar than dairy milk. Using a smaller serving size is also a straightforward way to reduce the total amount of milk and, by extension, the sugar.

For cappuccino lovers, maintaining the traditional equal parts ratio ensures that the milk content and sugar remain moderate. For latte enthusiasts, ordering a smaller size or asking for less milk can help manage sugar levels without sacrificing the beloved creamy texture. A flat white, which uses a double shot of espresso with less milk than a latte, is another excellent option for those who want a stronger coffee flavor with less sugar from milk.

Conclusion

In a direct comparison, a standard cappuccino is less sugar than a standard latte because it contains a smaller volume of milk. This difference is due to the natural lactose found in milk, as both drinks are traditionally served without added sweeteners. However, the real control over sugar content lies with the consumer. By requesting unsweetened drinks, specifying milk type, and managing portion sizes, you can enjoy either beverage while keeping your sugar consumption in check. The choice between a cappuccino and a latte ultimately comes down to personal preference for texture and the ratio of espresso to milk, rather than a significant difference in sugar, provided no sweeteners are added.

For more information on coffee ingredients and brewing methods, a helpful resource is the National Coffee Association website [https://www.ncausa.org/].

Finding Your Ideal Low-Sugar Coffee

Choosing a healthy coffee option is more about controlling what you add than the base drink itself. While the difference in natural milk sugar between a cappuccino and a latte is notable, it is far less significant than the impact of syrups, sauces, and toppings. Exploring alternatives like almond or oat milk and focusing on smaller portion sizes can further aid in reducing sugar. Ultimately, the best coffee for your health is the one you customize to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a cappuccino is not naturally sweeter than a latte. A latte contains a higher volume of steamed milk, which contains more natural milk sugars (lactose), making it inherently sweeter than a cappuccino, which has less milk.

The amount of sugar in a plain cappuccino depends on the milk used and serving size. It contains only the natural lactose from the milk. For a standard size with 2% milk, the sugar content would be relatively low, often less than 10 grams, especially compared to a latte.

A plain latte contains a higher amount of sugar than a cappuccino due to its larger milk volume. A 16-ounce latte with 2% milk can contain up to 18 grams of naturally occurring lactose, though this varies by serving size and milk type.

Yes, you can easily make a low-sugar version of either drink. To do so, avoid adding any flavored syrups and use unsweetened milk alternatives like almond or soy milk, which have fewer natural sugars than dairy milk.

Steaming milk does not add sugar, but it does enhance the milk's natural sweetness by breaking down the lactose. This process makes both a latte and a cappuccino taste sweeter, but it doesn't change the sugar content itself.

A cappuccino is generally considered a slightly healthier option because it contains less milk, and thus fewer calories and less fat, than a latte of the same size. However, the healthiness of either drink is largely dependent on what is added to it.

The key difference is the milk-to-foam ratio. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam, creating a stronger coffee flavor. A latte has more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, resulting in a milder, creamier taste.